Sequential compression devices and clots.

Abstract

specialist at Orlando Health in Orlando, Florida. mortality. Therefore, early prevention is the key to providing quality patient care. The American College of Chest Physicians provides health care practitioners with a comprehensive summary of evidence and recommendations for prevention and treatment of DVT. In general, for patients who are at moderate/high risk, mechanical prophylaxis with the use of an intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC)/SCD device is recommended. IPC/SCD devices have been validated as a safe and effective method for reducing the risk of DVT. These devices limit venous stasis by applying gradual sequential inflation and deflation of air to the lower extremities. The applied pressure causes blood to be evacuated from the leg veins in a wavelike fashion, thus simulating the same compression that is created through ambulation. The question that is asked is “What is the role of IPC/SCDs if a patient is suspected or known to have DVT?” Current guidelines for the prevention and management of DVT do not provide a clear answer regarding the use of IPC/SCD devices once a DVT is suspected or confirmed. Interestingly, all vendors of these devices list having a DVT as a contraindication. The same contraindication doctors say no because of the clots. Is there evidence to support the use of SCDs with known clots?